Aymonod crossed the line in 31min 40sec to lead home an all-Italian podium completed by Tiziano Moia and Nadir Maguet, who finished in 32:18 and 32:40 respectively.

Italy dominated the men's race, taking up the top six places as Alberto Vender, Matteo Eydallin and Andrea Rostan came in close behind.

He also finished top of the overall standings in front of Hungary's Sandor Szabó and Geoffrey Ndungu of Kenya.

Szabó finished 15th on the last leg and Ndungu 12th, denting their hopes of winning the overall title.

Austrian Andrea Mayr was dominant in the women's race, winning by more than three minutes and stopping another Italian victory in the process.

She looked comfortable out in front, winning in 35:41.

Home favourite Francesca Ghelfi clocked a time of 39:16 for silver and bronze went to Ireland's Sarah McCormack, not far behind Ghelfi in 39:56.

Mayr was 13th overall in the race, beating some of the top men's athletes.

Giulia Murada of Italy was fourth in the race and her compatriot Vivien Bonzi was fifth.

Despite only finishing seventh on the day, Njeru had enough to win the overall title.

Britain's Charlotte Morgan could only finish 21st in the women's race and took second overall in the series.

Italian Alice Gaggi was 14th on the day and third overall in the World Cup season.